THE government is set to hand over 11 boats worth 539.834m/- to Beach Management Units (BMU) groups to combat illegal fishing activities on Lake Tanganyika in Kigoma Region.

The announcement was made by Kigoma Regional Administrative Secretary, Hassan Rugwa, during a ceremony on Tuesday where the boats were formally handed over on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Rugwa stated that the boats aim to strengthen the protection and management of fisheries resources in the lake, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

He explained that the boats were provided by the Fish4ACP project, funded by the European Union (EU) and the German government, and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the region.

“This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts of the government to enhance economic diplomacy by promoting international cooperation and development partnerships that improve the livelihoods of citizens, strengthen food security and drive community and national economic growth,” said Rugwa.

The boats will be distributed to BMU groups in various locations, including Kibirizi in Kigoma Municipality, Kagunga, Mtanga (Kigoma Rural), Mwakizega, Kabeba (Uvinza), Utinta, Kabwe (Nkasi), Samazi, Kipwa, Kasanga (Kalambo) and the Fisheries Resource Management Centre (FRP) in Kigoma.

Rugwa thanked FAO, Fish4ACP, the EU and Germany for their support in providing the boats.

The Ministry’s Director of Fisheries, Prof Mohamed Sheikh, stated that the country’s fisheries sector is currently thriving, with the government continuing to strengthen the domestic and international trade of fish products.

He emphasized that the ministry would ensure that the country’s fisheries resources are managed for the benefit of both the citizens and the nation.

Sheikh highlighted efforts to strengthen the management of breeding and fishing areas in Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, including the installation of buoys to control fishing and protect the environment.

To combat illegal fishing, the ministry has also started utilizing modern technology, including purchasing drones to enhance monitoring of fishing vessels and fishermen.

The government has also provided 68 patrol boats, 20 vehicles, and 13 motorcycles to fisheries protection units to curb illegal fishing and safeguard breeding grounds and fish habitats.

Sheikh urged fishermen to refrain from damaging fisheries resources and cooperate in the fight against illegal fishing in the country.

Fish4ACP Coordinator, Hashim Muumin, speaking on behalf of the FAO Resident Representative, noted that the boats would enhance community-based fisheries protection efforts and support the implementation of the National Fisheries Strategy and the Voluntary Small-Scale Fisheries Management Plan.

Muumin emphasized that this initiative is part of a continuous effort to equip these groups with the necessary tools to engage in fisheries protection and management after receiving training last year.